FOOD NETWORK / HUB

A group of local producers can organise into a local food network and sell their produce collectively directly to customers, offering a wide range of produce normally found at farmers’ markets. The customer places one order, makes one payment, and has just one collection or delivery, while producers retain their autonomy.

Tamar Valley Food Hub is an example of a thriving food hub, serving the Plymouth area and with eight collection points most Fridays and a delivery service. Tamar Valley Food Hub includes 50 producers and after covering operation costs, is able to give the producers 85% of the normal retail asking price.

Existing food hubs in the UK typically source and / or distribute within a 30-mile radius, but this range, can of course be set by those involved. The range of produce available at the hub does need to be sufficiently wide ranging to be attractive to customers. The hub needs part-time access to physical space(s) for packaging the customers’ orders ready for collection and/or delivery and access to a delivery vehicle or part-time workers willing to use their bikes and cars to make deliveries.

Software developed over recent years, most notably the not-for-profit Open Food Network, enables shoppers to place a single order for products from multiple suppliers, produces purchase reports for the relevant suppliers and provides suppliers with packing reports, integration to accounting systems and much more.

Some existing food hubs add to the core activity by, for example, organising local food related social and educational events. Tamar Valley offers opportunities for their customers to visit producers and take part in food related activities such as bee-keeping and orchard management.

The Open Food network provides guidance on setting up a local food hub, and those already established and establishing may be happy to share their experiences:

Go Local: http://halff.org.uk/go-local/ Stroudco: https://www.stroudco.org.uk/ Tamar Local Food Hub: http://www.tamarvalleyfoodhubs.org.uk/

Advantages

 * Producers receive near to retail prices.
 * Customers are offered a wide range of local produce and home delivery.
 * Builds connections between local producers, and between producers and buyers/eaters.

Disadvantages

 * The food hub model is still establishing itself, and in many areas, there isn’t yet a critical mass of producers.
 * The time needed to research web platforms for food hubs may deter producers from joining.
 * Requires coordinated deliveries.
 * Requires a space for packing and possibly collection points.
 * Food hubs make a mark-up on producer prices, which makes food more expensive to the buyers/eaters, or means producers get a lower price.